This 2006 performance finds José Cura fully immersed in the drama of the title role. Chénier’s Act II dialogue with Roucher makes an especially powerful impression, with the poet obviously in agony not knowing the identity of the woman who wrote to him. The tenor offers gratifyingly secure vocalism throughout, giving maximum vocal thrill to all the set-pieces.

— Opera News

This production’s Chénier is the Argentine tenor José Cura. He sang Chénier’s two major arias on his “Verismo” CD, and his performance here remains similar – heroic, yet thoughtful. This is a much subtler interpretation than Mario del Monaco’s and Corelli’s. Cura is handsome, credible, and, at times, quite touching. (I confess to getting choked up during “Un dì, all’azzurro spazio.”)